Yeerongpilly was the Brisbane locomotive
depot serving the northern extremity of the standard gauge line from Sydney.
It used to be a photographic "hot spot" for a number of reasons. Firstly,
access was terrific - a quick word with whoever was in charge and the
place was pretty much yours. Being close to home meant it could be checked
out quickly. It was a place to which the term new investment did not apply
- there was certainly little evidence for it! And of course
it provided a great opportunity for getting close to the big
machines.

By the time I was visiting it in the early 90s, the loco fleet here
was in a sad condition. Faded, unbelievably dirty and damaged paint schemes
were a sure sign the fleet of ALCOs assigned to the Brisbane traffic were
not highly regarded. And even the effort in repainting the locos
in the new blue livery seemed a half-hearted job, with the paint quickly
peeling and fading. The introduction of the GMs to the northern line certainly
introduced cleanliness, but that was cold comfort to me, a dedicated ALCO
fan.

Now the place is closed, and all loco activity has moved to the
modern facilities at Acacia Ridge, waiting for further photographic explorations,
albeit behind considerable security.